Support for Donald Trump rising ahead of Des Moines rally
KCCIUpdated: 6:37 AM CDT Oct 8, 2021
DES MOINES, Iowa —
The metro is gearing up to host former President Donald Trump this weekend, and it comes as he’s gaining more favor with Iowans.
A Medicom/Register poll released this week shows Trump is more popular now in the Hawkeye state than he ever was while in office.
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The rally doesn’t start for more than 24 hours, but speculation about what this means for the former president’s future has been swirling for weeks.
Thousands of people are expected to pack the stands at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Saturday. Organizers expect this to be Trump’s largest crowd in Iowa yet.
It’s his first trip back to the state since before the 2020 election and a stop on his “Save America” tour across the country.
Supporters from out of state are already showed up at the fairgrounds Thursday.
Richard Snowden came from Delaware. He is part of a group called the “Front Row Joes.” They’re the people who consistently wait at his rally sites days in advance.
“It’s a great way that we can give back to Mr. Trump, show him support, and give him back certain love, because he has, sadly, had so much hate directed towards him,” Snowden said.
Mary Thom traveled from Denver to attend the rally.
“You’re getting involved and seeing what’s really going on, and they are the most incredible family, and we had the most incredible movement, and we made history with each other again and again,” Thom said.
WILL HE RUN AGAIN?
Trump is yet to officially confirm a run for office. A recent Washington Post article says he was talked out of announcing early to avoid impacting the midterms and that the former president has confirmed a run to advisers.
The article also says Trump wants no changes to the nomination calendar in 2024, leaving Iowa as the first-in-the-nation caucus for Republicans.
The Saturday rally kicks off at 7 p.m., with people heading in as early as 2 p.m.
DEMOCRATS RESPOND
We asked the Iowa Democrats about their plans for the midterm push and if they’ll be bringing any big names to visit the state.
The party chair, Ross Wilburn, had a clear message:
“For now, we’re just focusing on reminding Iowans why Donald Trump is not just bad for Iowa, but he’s toxic for our democracy. It’s been well established that he did nothing to stop his supporters from violently attacking our Capitol,” Wilburn said.
Count on KCCI for full coverage of the Saturday rally.